Reform of capitalism: Marketing or reality?
Business leaders are increasingly talking about the need to reform capitalism and the end of "neo-liberal capitalism": many companies have a "purpose", many leaders talk about the need for the company to look after all stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, environment and climate) and not just shareholders. Is it just politically correct marketing or is it reality? It is to be feared that, as long as the required return on equity for the shareholder remains as high (relative to risk-free interest rates), the deviances of neo-liberal capitalism will persist. This concerns in particular: Income distribution against employees; Offshoring to low-wage cost countries; Leverage effect and share buybacks; Corporate concentration and search for monopoly rents; Use of cheap fossil fuels. The real sign that capitalism is reforming will be the acceptance by shareholders and business leaders of lower returns on equity .